Concentric low profile clamping systems and methods for making and breaking threaded connections

ABSTRACT

A clamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between a first component and a second component includes a first clamp assembly and a second clamp assembly. The first clamp assembly includes a first clamp member and a second clamp member disposed about an opening in the first clamp assembly. The second clamp assembly includes a third clamp member and a fourth clamp member disposed about an opening in the second clamp assembly. The opening in the second clamp assembly being coaxially aligned with the opening in the first clamp assembly. The first clamp member and the second clamp member are configured to engage the first component. The third clamp member and the fourth clamp member are configured to engage the second component. The first clamp member and the second clamp member are configured to rotate the first component relative to the second component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/783,859, filed Mar. 14, 2013, and entitled “Concentric LowProfile Clamping Systems and Methods for Making and Breaking ThreadedConnections,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments described herein relate generally to systems and methods forgripping and manipulating threaded connections. More particularly,embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for makingand breaking threaded connections between downhole components such aspipe joints, sucker rods, completion and production tubulars, andcompletion and production assemblies, etc.

In drilling a borehole (or wellbore) into the earth for the recovery ofhydrocarbons from a subsurface formation, it is conventional practice toconnect a drill bit to the lower end of a drill string, then rotate thedrill string with weight-on-bit (WOB) applied to the drill bit to enablethe bit to progress downward into the earth to create the desiredborehole. A kelly connected to the upper end of the drill string issuspended from a swivel supported by a derrick. The drill string isrotated with a rotary table in the drill floor that engages the kelly.

A typical drill string is made up from an assembly of drill pipe jointsconnected end-to-end and a bottom hole assembly (BHA) disposed betweenthe lowermost pipe joint and the drill bit. The BHA includessub-components such as drill collars, stabilizers, reamers and/or otherdrilling tools and accessories, selected to suit the particularrequirements of the well being drilled. The individual pipe joints inthe drill string are connected together with threaded connections. Inparticular, the lower end of each pipe joint comprises an externallythreaded pin that is threaded into an internally threaded box at theupper end of the adjacent pipe joint.

During drilling operations, additional pipe joints are periodicallyadded to the upper end of the drill string to lengthen the drill stringand enable the drill bit to continue its advance through the formation.To add a new pipe joint to the drill string, the drill string istemporarily supported by slips placed in the drill floor and the kellyis removed from the drill string and connected to a new pipe joint,which is swung over and threaded into the upper end of the drill string.The new pipe joint is threaded into the upper end of the drill stringand pre-loaded with a certain amount of torque in order to maintain asatisfactory connection during use. This is usually accomplished withpower tongs and a spinning wrench suspended above the drilling floor,which operate by gripping above and below the connection between thedrill string and the new pipe joint and applying torque to make up thethreaded connection. This process is generally performed in reverse whentripping the drill string.

Conventional power tongs and spinning wrenches are usually large bulkypieces of equipment that take up space around the drill floor, and thus,are not particularly suited for use in confined drilling operationswhere space is at a premium. In addition, some conventional power tongsand spinning wrenches are operated with rig personnel on the drillfloor, and hence, in some circumstances could raise safety concerns.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by aclamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between afirst component and a second component. In an embodiment, the clampingsystem comprises a first clamp assembly including a first clamp memberand a second clamp member disposed about an opening in the first clampassembly. The opening in the first clamp assembly has a vertical centralaxis. In addition, the clamping system comprises a second clamp assemblydisposed below the first clamp assembly and including a third clampmember and a fourth clamp member disposed about an opening in the secondclamp assembly. The opening in the second clamp assembly is coaxiallyaligned with the opening in the first clamp assembly. The first clampmember and the second clamp member are configured to move radiallyinward and outward between an advanced position engaging the firstcomponent and a withdrawn position radially spaced apart from the firstcomponent. The third clamp member and the fourth clamp member areconfigured to move radially inward and outward between an advancedposition engaging the second component and a withdrawn position radiallyspaced apart from the second component. The third clamp member and thefourth clamp member are configured to prevent the rotation of the secondcomponent in the advanced position. The first clamp member and thesecond clamp member are configured to rotate the first componentrelative to the second component in the advanced position.

These and other needs in the art are addressed in another embodiment bya clamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between afirst component and a second component. In an embodiment, the clampingsystem comprises an upper clamp assembly having an opening for receivingthe first component. The opening of the upper clamp assembly has acentral axis. The upper clamp assembly comprises a first clamp memberdisposed about the opening, a second clamp member disposed about theopening and circumferentially spaced from the first clamp member, afirst linear actuator coupled to the first clamp member and the secondclamp member, a second linear actuator coupled to the first clamp memberand the second clamp member, a third linear actuator coupled to thefirst clamp member, and a fourth linear actuator coupled to the secondclamp member. The first linear actuator and the second linear actuatorare configured to move the first clamp member and the second clampmember radially inward and radially outward. The third linear actuatorand the fourth linear actuator are configured to pivot the first clampmember and the second clamp member together about the central axis. Inaddition, the clamping system comprises a lower clamp assembly disposedbelow the upper clamp assembly and having an opening for receiving thesecond component aligned with the opening of the upper clamp assembly.The opening of the lower clamp assembly has a central axis. The lowerclamp assembly comprises a first clamp member disposed about the openingof the lower clamp assembly, a second clamp member disposed about theopening of the lower clamp assembly and circumferentially spaced fromthe first clamp member of the lower clamp assembly, a first linearactuator coupled to the first clamp member of the lower clamp assembly,and a second linear actuator coupled to the second clamp member of thelower clamp assembly. The first linear actuator of the lower clampassembly is configured to move the first clamp member of the lower clampassembly radially inward and radially outward. The second linearactuator of the lower clamp assembly is configured to move the secondclamp member of the lower clamp assembly radially inward and radiallyoutward.

These and other needs in the art are addressed in another embodiment bya method for making or breaking a threaded connection between a firstcomponent and a second component. In an embodiment, the method comprises(a) positioning an end of the first component within an opening in afirst clamp assembly. In addition, the method comprises (b) positioningan end of the second component within an opening in a second clampassembly disposed immediately below the first clamp assembly. Further,the method comprises (c) gripping the first component with a first clampmember and a second clamp member of the first clamp assembly. Stillfurther, the method comprises (d) gripping the second component with afirst clamp member and a second clamp member of the second clampassembly. Moreover, the method comprises (e) simultaneously rotating thefirst clamp member and the second clamp member about a central axis ofthe first component to rotate the first component relative to the secondcomponent after (c) and (d).

Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features andadvantages intended to address various shortcomings associated withcertain prior devices, systems, and methods. The foregoing has outlinedrather broadly the features and technical advantages of the invention inorder that the detailed description of the invention that follows may bebetter understood. The various characteristics described above, as wellas other features, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the artupon reading the following detailed description, and by referring to theaccompanying drawings. It should be appreciated by those skilled in theart that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may bereadily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structuresfor carrying out the same purposes of the invention. It should also berealized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructionsdo not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth inthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of the disclosed embodiments of thedisclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a drilling system in accordance withprinciples described herein;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the clamping system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the clamping system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lower clamp assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the upper clamp assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the clamping system of FIG. 1 and two pipejoints to be threaded together with the clamping system;

FIGS. 7A-7D are sequential top views of the clamping system of FIG. 6making up a threaded connection between the two pipe joints of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the clamping system of FIG. 1 and a threadedjoint to be broken with the clamping system; and

FIGS. 9A-9D are sequential top views of the clamping system of FIG. 8breaking the threaded connection of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is exemplary of embodiments of the disclosure.These embodiments are not to be interpreted or otherwise used aslimiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. One skilledin the art will understand that the following description has broadapplication, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to beexemplary of that embodiment, and is not intended to suggest in any waythat the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited tothat embodiment.

The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features andcomponents disclosed herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or insomewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements maynot be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In some of thefigures, in order to improve clarity and conciseness, one or morecomponents or aspects of a component may be omitted or may not havereference numerals identifying the features or components that areidentified elsewhere. In addition, like or identical reference numeralsmay be used to identify common or similar elements.

The terms “including” and “comprising” are used herein, including in theclaims, in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean“including, but not limited to . . . .” Also, the term “couple” or“couples” is intended to mean either an indirect or direct connection.Thus, if a first component couples or is coupled to a second component,the connection between the components may be through a direct engagementof the two components, or through an indirect connection that isaccomplished via other intermediate components, devices and/orconnections. In addition, as used herein, the terms “axial” and“axially” generally mean along or parallel to a given axis (e.g.,central axis of a body or a port), while the terms “radial” and“radially” generally mean perpendicular to the axis. For instance, anaxial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to theaxis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular tothe axis. Any reference to up or down in the description and the claimswill be made for purpose of clarification, with “up,” “upper,”“upwardly,” or “upstream” meaning toward the surface of the borehole andwith “down,” “lower,” “downwardly,” or “downstream” meaning toward theterminal end of the borehole, regardless of the bore orientation. Insome applications of the technology, the orientations of the componentswith respect to the surroundings may be different.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a drilling system 10 fordrilling a borehole 11 in an earthen formation 12 is shown. Drillingsystem 10 includes a derrick 20 supported by a drilling deck or floor21. Derrick 20 includes a traveling block 22 for raising and lowering atop drive 23 configured to releasably connect to and support a drillstring 30. Top drive 23 is supported by derrick 20 and employed torotate drill string 30 when coupled thereto.

Drill string 30 has a central or longitudinal axis 35, a first or upholeend 30 a (not visible in FIG. 1), and a second or downhole end 30 b. Inaddition, drill string 30 includes a plurality of components coupledtogether end-to-end. In particular, drill string 30 includes a pluralityof tubulars or pipe joints 31 coupled together end-to-end, a bottom holeassembly (BHA) 32 coupled to the lower end of joints 31, and a drill bit33 disposed at downhole end 30 b and coupled to BHA 32. In thisembodiment, each pipe joint 31 has a first or upper end 31 a comprisingan internally threaded box and a second or lower end 31 b comprising anexternally threaded pin. Joints 31 are connected end-to-end by threadingpins into the mating boxes to form threaded connections or joints 34.

During drilling operations, drill bit 33 is rotated with top drive 23and weight-on-bit (WOB) is applied to drill borehole 11 along apredetermined path through formation 12. Although the drill string 30and the drill bit 33 are rotated from the surface with top drive 23 inthis embodiment, in other embodiments, the drill string (e.g., drillstring 30) and the drill bit (e.g., bit 33) may alternatively be rotatedfrom the surface by a rotary table and/or the drill bit may be rotatedwith a downhole mud motor disposed in the drill string. During drillingoperations a mud system 40 circulates pressurized drilling fluid or mud41 down the drill string 30, through nozzles in the face of bit 33, andback up the annulus 42 between the drill string 30 and sidewall ofborehole 11.

As drill bit 33 and drill string 30 penetrate deeper into formation 12,additional pipe joints 31 are periodically added to uphole end 30 a ofdrill string 30. Similarly, when the drill string 30 is removed ortripped from borehole 11, pipe joints 31 are removed from uphole end 30a of drill string 30 and stored. In general, pipe joints 31 can be addedto drill string 30 one or more than one at a time, and pipe joints 31can be removed from drill string 30 one or more than one at a time. Inthis embodiment, three pipe joints 31 are added to and removed fromdrill string 30 at a time in the form of a pipe stand 36.

Referring still to FIG. 1, a drill string support system 50 ispositioned in drill floor 21 to support the weight of drill string 30while adding or removing pipe joints 31 (i.e., when drill string 30 isnot supported top drive 23). In this embodiment, string support system50 comprises slips removably disposed in hole in drill floor 21 throughwhich string 30 extends. A clamping system 100 is also disposed on thedrill floor 21 immediately above string support systems 50. As will bedescribed in more detail below, clamping system 100 is employed to makethreaded connections between drill string 30 and pipe joint(s) 31 beingadded to thereto, and to break threaded connections between drill string30 and pipe joint(s) 31 being removed therefrom.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, clamping system 100 is coupled to drillfloor 21 and has a vertical central axis 105 coaxially aligned with axis35 of drill string 30 and the hole in drill floor 21 through whichstring 30 extends. In this embodiment, clamping system 100 includes afirst or upper clamp assembly 110 and a second or lower clamp assembly150 positioned immediately below upper clamp assembly 110. As will bedescribed in more detail below, during threaded joint makeup operations,lower clamp assembly 150 grips uphole end 30 a of drill string 30 whilea new pipe joint 31 (or pipe stand 36) is threadably coupled to upholeend 30 a to increase the length of drill string 30. To sufficientlytighten and pre-load the threaded connection 34 therebetween, lowerclamp assembly 150 continues to grip uphole end 30 a and prevent itsrotation while upper clamp assembly 150 moves into engagement with lowerend of the new pipe joint 31 (or pipe stand 36), grips and appliesrotational torque to the new pipe joint 31 (or pipe stand 36). Duringthreaded joint breaking operations, lower clamp assembly 150 grips drillstring 30 immediately below the threaded connection 34 to be broken andprevents rotation of drill string 30 below that connection 34 whileupper clamp assembly 150 moves into engagement with drill string 30immediately above the connection 34, grips and applies rotational torqueto break the connection 34 between assemblies 110, 150.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, upper clamp assembly 110 has a verticalcentral axis 115 and includes a pair of radially opposed clamps orgripping members 120 disposed about axis 115, a first pair of linearactuators 140 extending between members 120, and a second pair of linearactuators 145 pivotally coupled to members 120. Upper clamp assembly 110is concentrically disposed about axis 105 with axes 115, 105 coaxiallyaligned. In this embodiment, members 120 are angularly spaced 180° apartabout axis 115. In addition, members 120 are radially spaced apart onopposite sides of axis 115, thereby defining a passage or opening 111therebetween. As will be described in more detail below, linearactuators 140 move members 120 radially inward and outward relative toaxis 115 to decrease and increase the size of opening 111, and linearactuators 145 rotate or pivot members 120 about axes 105, 115.

Each member 120 has a horizontal central axis 125, a radially inner side121 facing opening 111, a radially outer side 122 radially opposite side121 and distal opening 111, and lateral sides 123, 124 extending betweeninner side 121 and outer side 122. Axes 125 are coaxially aligned,oriented perpendicular to axes 105, 115, and intersect axes 105, 115. Inaddition, each axis 125 extends between lateral sides 123, 124 andintersects sides 121, 122 of the corresponding member 120. Thus, lateralsides 123, 124 are disposed on opposite sides of axis 125 Inner side 121of each member 120 includes a concave gripping surface 126 forreleasably engaging and gripping joints 31 during makeup and breakingoperations.

Referring still to FIGS. 2-4, each linear actuator 140 has a central orlongitudinal axis 141, a first end 140 a, and a second end 140 bopposite end 140 a. In addition, each linear actuator 140 is configuredto axially extend and retract, thereby moving ends 140 a, b axiallytowards and away from each other. Axes 141 are oriented parallel to axes125, are radially spaced from axes 105, 115, 125, and lie in a commonhorizontal reference plane oriented perpendicular to axes 105, 115.Thus, actuators 140 are disposed on opposite sides of axis 115.

Each end 140 a, 140 b of each actuator 140 is pivotally coupled to onemember 120. In this embodiment, each actuator 140 has ends 140 a, 140 bpivotally coupled to lateral side 123 of one member 120 and lateral side124 of the other member 120, respectively. Each actuator 140 can pivotat its ends 140 a, 140 b relative to members 120 about vertical axesextending through ends 140 a, 140 b. However, actuators 140 cannot movetranslationally relative to members 120.

Actuators 140 are operated together to move members 120 radially inwardand radially outward relative to axes 105, 115 and each other. Inparticular, axial contraction of actuators 140 moves members 120radially inward toward axes 105, 115 and each other, and axial extensionof actuators 140 moves members 120 radially outward away from axes 105,115 and each other. In this manner, actuators 140 can move members 120,and more specifically, gripping surfaces 126 into and out of engagementwith a tubular (e.g., pipe joint 31) extending vertically throughopening 111. Accordingly, each clamp member 120 may be described ashaving a radially advanced position with the corresponding actuator 140extended and the clamp member 120 engaging a tubular (e.g., joints 31)extending through opening 111, and a radially withdrawn position withthe corresponding actuator 140 contracted and the clamp member 120withdrawn and radially spaced from a tubular extending through opening111. Moreover, upper clamp assembly 110 may be described as having aclosed position with clamp members 120 in the radially advancedpositions and an open position with clamp members 120 in the radiallywithdrawn positions.

Referring still to FIGS. 2-4, each linear actuator 145 has a central orlongitudinal axis 146, a first end 145 a, and a second end 145 bopposite end 145 a. In addition, each linear actuator 145 is configuredto axially extend and retract, thereby moving ends 145 a, 145 b axiallytowards and away from each other. Axes 146 are oriented generallyperpendicular to axes 125, are radially spaced from axis 115, and lie inthe same horizontal reference plane as axes 125, 141. Thus, actuators145 are disposed on opposite sides of axes 105, 115.

Each end 145 a of each actuator 145 is pivotally coupled to drill deck21 (see FIG. 1) and each end 145 b of each actuator 145 is pivotallycoupled to one member 120. In this embodiment, end 145 b of one actuator145 is pivotally coupled to outer side 122 of one member 120 and end 145b of the other actuator 145 is pivotally coupled to other side 122 ofthe other member 120. Ends 145 b are intersected by axes 125 of members120. Each actuator 145 can pivot at its end 145 a relative to drill deck21 about a vertical axis extending through the end 145 a, and eachactuator 145 can pivot at its end 145 b relative to the correspondingmember 120 about a vertical axis extending through the end 145 b.However, actuators 145 cannot move translationally relative to deck 21or members 120.

Actuators 145 are operated together to pivot or rotate members 120 in afirst or threading direction 116 about axes 105, 115 to makeup aconnection 34, and pivot or rotate members 120 in a second orunthreading direction 117 about axes 105, 115 to break a connection 34.In this embodiment, actuators 145 extend in opposite directions fromaligned axes 125—one actuator 145 (top actuator in FIG. 2) extends tothe left of axes 125 and the other actuator 145 (lower actuator in FIG.2) extends to the right of axes 125. Thus, axial extension of actuators145 rotates members 120 about axes 105, 115 in first direction 116, andaxial contraction of actuators 145 rotates members 120 about axes 105,115 in second direction 117. In this manner, actuators 145 can rotatemembers 120 about axes 105, 115.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, lower clamp assembly 150 has avertical central axis 155 and includes a pair of radially opposed clampsor gripping members 160, 170 disposed about axis 155 and a pair oflinear actuators 180, one actuator 180 is coupled to member 160 and theother actuator 180 is coupled to member 170. Lower clamp assembly 150 isconcentrically disposed about axis 105 with axes 155, 105 coaxiallyaligned. In this embodiment, members 160, 170 are angularly spaced 180°apart about axis 155. In addition, members 160, 170 are radially spacedapart on opposite sides of axis 155, thereby defining a passage oropening 151 therebetween. Axis 155 of lower clamp assembly 150 iscoaxially aligned with axes 105, 115, and thus, openings 111, 151 arealigned with each other, thereby defining a vertical passage extendingcompletely through clamping system 100. Drill string 30 and pipe joints31 can be vertically lowered and raised through aligned openings 111,151. As will be described in more detail below, linear actuators 180move members 160, 170 radially inward and outward relative to axis 155to decrease and increase the size of opening 151.

Member 160 has a horizontal central axis 165, a radially inner side 161facing opening 151, a radially outer side 162 radially opposite side 161and distal opening 151, and lateral sides 163, 164 extending betweeninner side 161 and outer side 162. Axis 165 is oriented perpendicular toaxes 105, 115 and intersects axes 105, 115. In addition, axis 165bisects member 160—axis 165 extends between lateral sides 163, 164 andintersects sides 161, 162. Thus, lateral sides 163, 164 are disposed onopposite sides of axis 165 Inner side 161 of member 160 includes aplurality of vertically spaced parallel gripping surfaces 166 defining aconcave recess 167 disposed about axis 165. During makeup and breakingoperations, joints 31 are positioned within recess 167 and are engagedand gripped by surfaces 166. In this embodiment, inner side 161 alsoincludes a pair of elongate slots 168 disposed on either side of recess167.

Member 170 is substantially the same as member 160 previously described.Namely, member 170 has a horizontal central axis 175 coaxially alignedwith axis 165 of member 160, a radially inner side 171 facing opening151 and radially opposed side 161, a radially outer side 172 radiallyopposite side 171 and distal opening 151, and lateral sides 173, 174extending between inner side 171 and outer side 172. Axis 175 isoriented perpendicular to axes 105, 115 and intersects axes 105, 115. Inaddition, axis 175 bisects member 170-axis 175 extends between lateralsides 173, 174 and intersects sides 171, 172. Thus, lateral sides 173,174 are disposed on opposite sides of axis 175 Inner side 171 of member170 includes a plurality of vertically spaced parallel gripping surfaces176 defining a concave recess 177 disposed about axis 115. During makeupand breaking operations, joints 31 are positioned within recess 177 andare engaged and gripped by surfaces 176. However, unlike member 160previously described, inner side 171 of member 170 does not includeslots disposed on either side of recess 177. Rather, in this embodiment,inner side 171 includes projections 178 disposed on either side ofrecess 177. Projections 178 are sized and configured to slidingly engagemating slots 168 of member 160 when members 160, 170 are moved radiallytoward one another. Sliding engagement of mating slots 168 andprojections 178 prevents members 160, 170 from moving vertically (i.e.,axially relative to axis 115) relative to each other.

Referring still to FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, each linear actuator 180 has acentral or longitudinal axis 181, a first end 180 a, and a second end180 b opposite end 180 a. In addition, each linear actuator 180 isconfigured to axially extend and retract, thereby moving ends 180 a, 180b axially towards and away from each other. Axes 181 are coaxiallyaligned with axes 165, 175, and thus, perpendicularly intersect axes115, 155.

End 180 a of one actuator 180 is coupled to member 160, and end 180 a ofthe other actuator 180 is coupled to member 170. Ends 180 b arepositioned distal the corresponding members 160, 170 and are pivotallycoupled to drill deck 21 (see FIG. 1). Thus, each end 180 b can pivot atits end 180 b relative to drill deck 21 about a vertical axis extendingthrough end 180 b, but cannot move translationally relative to deck 21.

Actuators 180 are operated together to move members 160, 170 radiallyinward and outward along axes 165, 175, 181. In particular, axialextension of actuators 180 move members 160, 170 toward axes 105, 165and each other, and contraction of actuators 180 move members 160, 170away from axes 105, 165 and each other. In this manner, actuators 180can move members 160, 170, and more specifically, gripping surfaces 167,177 into and out of engagement with a tubular (e.g., pipe joint 31)extending vertically through opening 151. Accordingly, each clamp member160, 170 may be described as having a radially advanced position withthe corresponding actuator 180 extended and the clamp member 160, 170engaging a tubular (e.g., joints 31) extending through opening 151, anda radially withdrawn position with the corresponding actuator 180contracted and the clamp member 160, 170 withdrawn and radially spacedfrom a tubular extending through opening 151. Moreover, lower clampassembly 150 may be described as having a closed position with clampmembers 160, 170 in the radially advanced positions and an open positionwith clamp members 160, 170 in the radially withdrawn positions.

As previously described, each actuator 140, 145, 180 is a linearactuator configured to axially extend and contract. In general,actuators 140, 145, 180 can comprise any suitable linear actuator knownin the art including, without limitation, hydraulic actuators, pneumaticactuators, electric actuators, or the like.

FIGS. 6 and 7A-7D illustrate the operation of clamping system 100 tomakeup a threaded connection 34 between two pipe joints 31. Inparticular, a pipe stand 36 made of three pipe joints 31 is shown beingthreadably connected to uphole end 30 a of drill string 30.

Referring first to FIGS. 6 and 7A, upper clamp assembly 110 and lowerclamp assembly 150 are in their open positions with clamp members 120,160, 170 radially withdrawn. In addition, actuators 145 of upper clampassembly 110 are fully contracted such that members 120 are rotated indirection 117 to their greatest extent. Drill string 30 is suspendedfrom top drive 23 through openings 111, 151 with axes 35, 115, 155coaxially aligned (see FIG. 1). Top drive 23 positions drill string 30such that uphole end 30 a is disposed between clamp members 160, 170immediately below upper clamp assembly 110. Next, slips are positionedabout string 30 in drill deck 21 below clamping system 100 and are usedto support drill string 30 and maintain the vertical position of upholeend 30 a as top drive 23 is disconnected from drill string 30. Top drive23 is then coupled to pipe stand 36, which may be temporarily stored ina mousehole in drill deck 21. Pipe stand 36 is coaxially aligned withuphole end 30 a and lowered with top drive 23 until the lower end ofpipe stand 36 (i.e., the lower end 31 b of the lowermost pipe joint 31in pipe stand 36) is disposed in opening 111 immediately above upholeend 30 a.

Moving now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, prior to, during or immediately afterpositioning the lower end of pipe stand 36 in opening 111 above drillstring 30, lower clamp assembly 150 is transitioned from the openposition to the closed position with uphole end 30 a positioned betweenradially opposed gripping surfaces 166, 176 by extending actuators 180to bring clamp members 160, 170 into firm engagement with uphole end 30a, thereby preventing rotation of drill string 30 relative to clampmembers 160, 170. Next, top drive 23 simultaneously rotates and lowerspipe stand 36 to thread the pin at the lower end of pipe stand 36 intothe box at uphole end 30 a to form a threaded connection 34therebetween. With pipe stand 36 threaded into drill string 30 and lowerclamp assembly 150 in the closed position, upper clamp assembly 110 isemployed to sufficiently torque and preload connection 34. Inparticular, as shown in FIG. 7B, upper clamp assembly 110 istransitioned to the closed position with the lower end of pipe stand 36positioned between radially opposed gripping surfaces 126 bysimultaneously contracting actuators 140 to bring clamp members 120 intofirm engagement with the lower end of pipe stand 36, thereby preventingrotation of pipe stand 36 relative to clamp members 120.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, with upper clamp assembly 110 in theclosed position, members 120 are rotated about axis 115 in threadingdirection 116 to rotate and torque pipe stand 36 about axis 30 inthreading direction 116 relative to uphole end 30 a by simultaneouslyextending actuators 145. With threaded connection 34 sufficientlytorqued and preloaded, upper clamp assembly 110 is transitioned to theopen position by simultaneously extending actuators 140 to bring clampmembers 120 out of engagement with the lower end of pipe stand 36 asshown in FIG. 7D. With threaded connection 34 made up and sufficientlytorqued, lower clamp assembly 150 is transitioned to the open positionby simultaneously contracting actuators 180 to bring clamp members 160,170 out of engagement with drill string 30. With the load of thelengthened drill string 30 supported by top drive 23, the slips in thedrill deck 21 are removed and drilling operations can continue withdrill string 30 extending through clamping system 100 with both clampassemblies 110, 150 in the open positions.

In the manner described, clamping system 100 is employed to makeup athreaded connection 34. To break a threaded connection 34, the makeupoperation previously described is performed in reverse. FIGS. 8 and9A-9D illustrate the operation of clamping system 100 to break athreaded connection 34 between two pipe joints 31. For purposes ofclarity and further explanation, the upper pipe joint 31 formingthreaded connection 34 to be broken is designated with reference numeral31′ and the lower pipe joint 31 forming threaded connection 34 isdesignated with reference numeral 31″ in FIGS. 8 and 9A-9D. In thisembodiment, pipe joint 31′ is the lowermost pipe joint 31 of a pipestand 36 made of three pipe joints 31.

Referring first to FIGS. 8 and 9A, upper clamp assembly 110 and lowerclamp assembly 150 are in their open positions with clamp members 120,160, 170 radially withdrawn. In addition, actuators 145 of upper clampassembly 110 are fully extended such that members 120 are rotated aboutaxis 115 in direction 116 to their greatest extent. Drill string 30 issuspended from top drive 23 through openings 111, 151 with axes 35, 115,155 coaxially aligned. Top drive 23 positions drill string 30 such thatconnection 34 to be broken is disposed between clamp assemblies 110,150. In particular, drill string 30 is positioned with upper end 31 a ofpipe joint 31″ in opening 151 and lower end 31 b of pipe joint 31′ inopening 111. Next, slips are positioned about string 30 in drill deck 21below clamping system 100 and are used to support the portion of drillstring 30 extending downhole as connection 34 is broken; the upperportion of drill string 30 above connection 34 and clamping system 100is supported by top drive 23 as connection 34 is broken.

Moving now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, prior to, during or immediately afterpositioning connection 34 between assemblies 110, 150, lower clampassembly 150 is transitioned from the open position to the closedposition with upper end 31 a of joint 31″ positioned between radiallyopposed gripping surfaces 166, 176 by extending actuators 180 to bringclamp members 160, 170 into firm gripping engagement with joint 31″,thereby preventing rotation of joint 31″ (and the portion of drillstring 30 extending downhole therefrom) relative to clamp members 160,170. Next, upper clamp assembly 110 is employed to break connection 34.In particular, as shown in FIG. 9B, upper clamp assembly 110 istransitioned to the closed position with lower end 31 b of joint 31′positioned between radially opposed gripping surfaces 126 bysimultaneously contracting actuators 140 to bring clamp members 120 intofirm gripping engagement with joint 31′, thereby preventing rotation ofjoint 31′ relative to clamp members 120.

As shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, with upper clamp assembly 110 in the closedposition, members 120 are rotated about axis 115 in unthreadingdirection 117 to rotate pipe joint 31′ about axis 115 in direction 117relative to pipe joint 31″ by simultaneously contracting actuators 145,thereby breaking threaded connection 34 between joints 31′, 31″. Withthreaded connection 34 broken, upper clamp assembly 110 is transitionedto the open position as shown in FIG. 9D by simultaneously extendingactuators 140 to bring clamp members 120 out of engagement with pipejoint 31′. Next, top drive 23 simultaneously rotates and lifts pipejoint 31′ to fully unthread the pin at lower end 31 b of joint 31′ fromthe box at upper end 31 a of pipe joint 31″. Lower clamp assembly 150 istransitioned to the open position immediately after breaking connection34, or after fully unthreading joints 31′, 31″ with top drive 23.

Following disconnection of joints 31′, 31″, upper joint 31′ is suspendedfrom top drive 23 and joint 31″ is suspended from the slips. Upper joint31′ is then moved to a storage location (e.g., pipe rack or mousehole)and disconnected from top drive 23, which is then connected to pipejoint 31″ and drill string 30 extending downhole therefrom. With theload of joint 31″ and drill string 30 supported by top drive 23, theslips in the drill deck 21 are removed and drill string 30 can be raisedwith top drive 23 to remove another pipe joint 31 (or stand 36).

In the manner described, clamping system 100 is employed to make andbreak threaded joints 34 between tubulars in a drill string (e.g., pipejoints 31 in drill string 30). As clamping system 100 is driven viaactuators 140, 145, 180, it can be operated remotely, thereby reducingand/or eliminating intervention by rig personnel on the drill deck 21.Further, the design of clamping system 100 is relatively low profile, asthe overall height of system 100 is generally defined by the heights ofclamp members 120, 160, 170. For example, clamping system 100 has anaxial height less than 20.0 in. (˜50.8 cm), and more specifically anaxial height between 12.0 in. (˜30.48 cm) and 16.0 in. (˜40.64 cm).Thus, the sum of the axial heights of upper clamp assembly 110 and lowerclamp assembly 150 is less than 20.0 in. (˜50.8 cm), and morespecifically an axial height between 12.0 in. (˜30.48 cm) and 16.0 in.(˜40.64 cm). The relatively compact design and low profile of clampingsystem 100 may be particularly advantageous at locations where space isat a premium such as in drilling operations performed from anunderground tunnel. Although clamping system 100 is described as beingdisposed on and coupled to drill deck 21, it should be appreciated thatclamping system 100 could also be hidden within deck 21.

Although clamping system 100 has been shown and described in connectionwith making and breaking threaded connections between tubulars used indrilling operations (e.g., pipe joints 31 and pipe stands 36) in a drillstring (e.g., drillstring 30), it should be appreciated that embodimentsof clamping systems described herein (e.g., clamping system 100) canmore generally be used to make and break threaded connections betweenany two downhole components including, without limitation, sucker rods,completion tubulars, production tubulars, completion assemblies andproduction assemblies. Such tubulars, rods, pipes, assemblies and thelike that are coupled together end-to-end with threaded connections orjoints are more generically be referred to herein as “components.”

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, modificationsthereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein areexemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modificationsof the systems, apparatus, and processes described herein are possibleand are within the scope of the invention. For example, the relativedimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various partsare made, and other parameters can be varied. Accordingly, the scope ofprotection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but isonly limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall includeall equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Unless expresslystated otherwise, the steps in a method claim may be performed in anyorder. The recitation of identifiers such as (a), (b), (c) or (1), (2),(3) before steps in a method claim are not intended to and do notspecify a particular order to the steps, but rather are used to simplifysubsequent reference to such steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between a first component and a second component, the system comprising: a first clamp assembly including a first clamp member and a second clamp member disposed about an opening in the first clamp assembly, the opening in the first clamp assembly having a central axis; and a second clamp assembly axially adjacent the first clamp assembly and including a third clamp member and a fourth clamp member disposed about an opening in the second clamp assembly, the opening in the second clamp assembly being coaxially aligned with the opening in the first clamp assembly; wherein the first clamp member and the second clamp member are configured to move radially inward and outward relative to the central axis of the opening in the first clamp assembly between an advanced position engaging the first component and a withdrawn position radially spaced apart from the first component; wherein the third clamp member and the fourth clamp member are configured to move radially inward and outward relative to the central axis of the opening in the second clamp assembly between an advanced position engaging the second component and a withdrawn position radially spaced apart from the second component; wherein the third clamp member and the fourth clamp member are configured to prevent the rotation of the second component when in the advanced position; wherein the first clamp member and the second clamp member are configured to rotate the first component relative to the second component when in the advanced position.
 2. The clamping system of claim 1, wherein the first clamp member and the second clamp member are configured to rotate the first component relative to the second component in a first direction about the central axis of the opening in the first clamp assembly to make a threaded connection between the first component and the second component, and configured to rotate the first component relative to the second component in a second direction about the central axis of the opening in the first clamp assembly opposite the first direction to break a threaded connection between the first component and the second component.
 3. The clamping system of claim 2, wherein the third clamp member has a radially inner side including a concave recess for receiving the second component and a pair of slots disposed on opposite sides of the concave recess; wherein the fourth clamp member has a radially inner side opposed the radially inner side of the third clamp member, wherein the radially inner side of the fourth clamp member includes a concave recess for receiving the second component and a pair of projections disposed on opposite sides of the concave recess; wherein the projections are configured to slidingly engage the slots when the third clamp member and the fourth clamp member are in the advanced positions.
 4. The clamping system of claim 2, wherein the first clamp assembly further comprises: a first linear actuator coupled to the first clamp member and the second clamp member; a second linear actuator coupled to the first clamp member and the second clamp member; wherein the central axis is disposed between the first linear actuator and the second linear actuator; wherein the first linear actuator and the second linear actuator are configured to transition the first clamp member and the second clamp member between the advanced and the withdrawn positions.
 5. The clamping system of claim 4, wherein the first clamp assembly further comprises: a third linear actuator coupled to the first clamp member; and a fourth linear actuator coupled to the second clamp member; wherein the central axis is disposed between the third linear actuator and the fourth linear actuator; wherein the third linear actuator and the fourth linear actuator are configured to rotate the first clamp member and the second clamp member in a first direction about the central axis to make the threaded connection and rotate the first clamp member and the second clamp member in a second direction about the central axis that is opposite the first direction to break the threaded connection.
 6. The clamping system of claim 5, wherein each linear actuator has a central axis, a first end, a second end, and is configured to move the first end relative to the second end.
 7. The clamping system of claim 6, wherein the central axis of the first linear actuator, the second linear actuator, the third linear actuator and the fourth linear actuator lie in a common horizontal plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the opening in the first clamp assembly.
 8. The clamping system of claim 5, wherein the second clamp assembly further comprises: a fifth linear actuator coupled to the third clamp member; and a sixth linear actuator coupled to the fourth clamp member; wherein the fifth linear actuator and the sixth linear actuator are configured to transition the third clamp member and the fourth clamp member between the advanced and the withdrawn positions.
 9. The clamping system of claim 8, wherein each linear actuator has a central axis, a first end, a second end, and is configured to move the first end relative to the second end; wherein the central axis of the fifth linear actuator and the central axis of the sixth linear actuator are coaxially aligned and intersect the central axis of the opening in the second clamp assembly.
 10. A clamping system for making and breaking threaded connections between a first component and a second component, the system comprising: an upper clamp assembly having an opening for receiving the first component, the opening of the upper clamp assembly having a central axis; wherein the upper clamp assembly comprises: a first clamp member disposed about the opening; a second clamp member disposed about the opening and circumferentially spaced from the first clamp member; a first linear actuator coupled to the first clamp member and the second clamp member; a second linear actuator coupled to the first clamp member and the second clamp member, wherein the first linear actuator and the second linear actuator are configured to move the first clamp member and the second clamp member radially inward and radially outward relative to the central axis of the opening of the upper clamp assembly; a third linear actuator coupled to the first clamp member; and a fourth linear actuator coupled to the second clamp member, wherein the third linear actuator and the fourth linear actuator are configured to pivot the first clamp member and the second clamp member together about the central axis of the opening of the upper clamp assembly; a lower clamp assembly disposed below the upper clamp assembly and having an opening for receiving the second component aligned with the opening of the upper clamp assembly, the opening of the lower clamp assembly having a central axis; wherein the lower clamp assembly comprises: a first clamp member disposed about the opening of the lower clamp assembly; a second clamp member disposed about the opening of the lower clamp assembly and circumferentially spaced from the first clamp member of the lower clamp assembly; a first linear actuator coupled to the first clamp member of the lower clamp assembly, wherein the first linear actuator of the lower clamp assembly is configured to move the first clamp member of the lower clamp assembly radially inward and radially outward relative to the central axis of the opening of the lower clamp assembly; and a second linear actuator coupled to the second clamp member of the lower clamp assembly, wherein the second linear actuator of the lower clamp assembly is configured to move the second clamp member of the lower clamp assembly radially inward and radially outward relative to the central axis of the opening of the lower clamp assembly.
 11. The clamping system of claim 10, wherein each linear actuator has a central axis, a first end, and a second end, wherein each linear actuator is configured to move the first and second ends relative to each other.
 12. The clamping system of claim 10, wherein the central axis of each linear actuator of the upper clamp assembly lies in a first plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the upper clamp assembly; and wherein the central axis of each linear actuator of the lower clamp assembly lies in a second plane oriented perpendicular to the central axis of the lower clamp assembly.
 13. The clamping system of claim 10, wherein the first clamp member and the second clamp member of the upper clamp assembly are radially opposed one another; wherein the first clamp member and the second clamp member of the lower clamp assembly are radially opposed one another.
 14. The clamping system of claim 10, wherein the first linear actuator and the second linear actuator of the upper clamp assembly are disposed on opposite sides of the central axis of the upper clamp assembly.
 15. A method for making or breaking a threaded connection between a first component and a second component, the method comprising: (a) positioning an end of the first component within an opening in a first clamp assembly; (b) positioning an end of the second component within an opening in a second clamp assembly disposed immediately adjacent the first clamp assembly; (c) gripping the first component with a first clamp member and a second clamp member of the first clamp assembly; (d) gripping the second component with a first clamp member and a second clamp member of the second clamp assembly; and (e) simultaneously rotating the first clamp member and the second clamp member about a central axis of the first component to rotate the first component relative to the second component after (c) and (d).
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein (c) comprises moving the first clamp member and the second clamp member of the first clamp assembly radially inward toward the central axis of the first component; and wherein (d) comprises moving the first clamp member and the second clamp member of the second clamp assembly radially inward toward a central axis of the second component.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein (c) further comprises: contracting a first linear actuator having a first end coupled to the first clamp member of the first clamp assembly and a second end coupled to the second clamp member of the first clamp assembly; and contracting a second linear actuator having a first end coupled to the first clamp member of the first clamp assembly and a second end coupled to the second clamp member of the first clamp assembly.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein (e) comprises: extending or contracting a third linear actuator having an end coupled to the first clamp member of the first clamp assembly; and extending or contracting a fourth linear actuator having an end coupled to the second clamp member of the first clamp assembly.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein (d) comprises: extending a fifth linear actuator having an end coupled to the first clamp member of the second clamp assembly; and extending a sixth linear actuator having an end coupled to the second clamp member of the second clamp assembly.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein (d) occurs before (c).
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising rotating the first component relative to the second component after (d) and before (c).
 22. The method of claim 20, further comprising: (f) disengaging the first component with the first clamp member and the second clamp member of the first clamp assembly; and (g) rotating the first component relative to the second component after (c), (d) and (f). 